HUD should extend current discrimination complaint process

Extending the current process of filing housing complaints is important to ensure underserved communities are protected from discriminatory practices.

Those who have suffered a discriminatory housing practice may file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) within a year after the discrimination. These individuals are to file their complaints with HUD through the Form. The Form is an important procedure by which HUD carries out its duties under the Fair Housing Act, which makes it unlawful to discriminate on the basis of certain protected categories in the realm of housing.

Consumer Action and advocates urge HUD to continue to collect this important data. It serves two purposes: giving a complaint venue to those who have been injured by housing discrimination and providing HUD with important data. The Form is a procedure that helps protect the housing rights of the communities we serve.

HUD studies confirm that African Americans, Latinos, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans often receive less favorable treatment than similarly qualified whites when attempting to buy or rent homes. Discrimination because of race and national origin is alleged in more than 50 percent of the complaints received by HUD and the state and local agencies it funds through the Fair Housing Assistance Program.

Consumer Action and co-signing advocates believe that continuing to collect data through the Form, offered in different languages, and in paper and electronic format, is an important procedure that helps protect underserved communities from housing discrimination.